Across the Northern Hemisphere, winemakers in many regions are reporting one of the earlier grape harvests they've seen. They're scrambling to pick fruit and find tank space.

France's Northern Rhône Valley, where normally poker-faced vignerons are smiling from ear to ear. They report a growing season that was as hot as 2003 at times, but with cool nights and well-timed rains that produced very promising wines.

Analysis: Early reports from winemakers throughout the Northern Rhône Valley indicate a potentially classic vintage. The growing season went without a hitch, late-seasons rains were well-timed and yields were in the normal range. Even producers not known for hyperbole wore cat-ate-the-canary grins as they finished picking grapes.

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Merlot is still a huge seller worldwide, whether it's an expensive classic from Pomerol or a ripe, fruity little bargain from California. It has suffered by comparison with other varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir particularly), but it remains tremendously popular. After all, what's not to like? It's more often than not a plump, plummy, approachable wine that appeals to a wide audience.

This year’s harvest is now all but complete in the Northern Hemisphere, and the emerging reports make for much more positive reading. Here’s what 2018 had in store for some of the most notable regions, and what to expect from this year’s vintage.